PBIS
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment where all students can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), we teach and reinforce clear expectations—being respectful, responsible, safe, and giving our best effort—across all school settings. By focusing on positive behavior, consistency, and strong relationships, we empower students to make responsible choices, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Vision Statement
We envision a school community where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Through a consistent focus on respect, responsibility, safety, and best effort, our students develop the confidence, character, and skills needed to become positive contributors in their school and beyond. Together, we strive to build a culture of kindness, accountability, and excellence where all learners thrive.
What is PBIS?
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It’s a school-wide approach designed to help create a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment for all students.
For parents, here’s a clear way to understand it:
What PBIS means:
PBIS focuses on teaching and encouraging positive behavior rather than just punishing negative behavior. Just like academics, behavior is something students can learn and practice.
How it works:
- Schools set clear expectations for behavior (like being respectful, responsible, and safe).
- These expectations are taught to students in the classroom and throughout the school.
- Students are recognized and rewarded for meeting those expectations.
- When students struggle, they receive support and guidance to improve.
Why schools use PBIS:
- Creates a more positive school climate
- Reduces bullying and disruptions
- Helps students build social and emotional skills
- Supports all students, including those who may need extra help
What this means for your child:
Your child will:
- Learn clear behavior expectations
- Be recognized for positive choices
- Receive support if they need help improving their behavior
How parents can support PBIS:
- Talk with your child about school expectations
- Reinforce positive behavior at home
- Stay in communication with teacher
What are Cardinal Expectations, and why do we have them?
Why We Have Schoolwide Expectations (PBIS Rationale for Families)
At our school, we use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students. A key part of PBIS is having clear, consistent expectations that are taught, practiced, and reinforced throughout the school.
Our Cardinal Expectations—such as being Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and giving your Best Effort—provide students with a common understanding of how to behave in different settings like the classroom, playground, cafeteria, and bathrooms.
These expectations are important because:
1. They teach behavior just like we teach academics
Children are not simply expected to “know” how to behave in every situation. We explicitly teach what respect, responsibility, and safety look like—for example, using kind words in class, waiting your turn on the playground, or keeping shared spaces clean.
2. They create consistency across the entire school
When expectations are the same in every setting, students feel more confident and successful. Whether in the classroom, cafeteria, or playground, students know what is expected of them.
3. They help keep all students safe and supported
Clear expectations reduce confusion and prevent unsafe situations. For example, walking in the cafeteria, keeping hands and feet to oneself, and using equipment correctly all help ensure student safety.
4. They build positive social and life skills
Expectations like being respectful, responsible, and cooperative help students develop skills they will use beyond school—such as communication, self-control, and problem-solving.
5. They focus on positive behavior
PBIS emphasizes recognizing and encouraging students when they make good choices. This helps build confidence and motivates students to continue positive behaviors.